Runners break records in unforgettable Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon

• Lanni Marchant and Krista DuChene break 28-year-old Canadian women's marathon record.
• Deressa Chimsa from Ethiopia sets new marathon course record and fastest time on Canadian soil.

TORONTO, Oct. 20, 2013 /CNW/ - More than 25,000 elite and recreational runners from over 60 countries hit the streets today for the 2013 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Thousands of spectators lined the course to cheer on participants, who raised over $3.2 million and counting for more than 180 charities through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge.

"This was a phenomenal day at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon for the sport and our city," said Alan Brookes, Race Director, of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. "The world watched as our international and Canadian athletes broke records in multiple categories. I couldn't be happier, I need to pinch myself."

The 28-year-old Canadian women's marathon record was broken today by Lanni Marchant with a time of 2:28:00 and Krista DuChene with 2:28:32.  Greeting them at the finish line was previous record holder, Sylvia Ruegger who held the time of 2:28:36.

In the men's race, Deressa Chimsa from Ethiopia finished first with a time of 2:07:05, the fastest time ever run on Canadian soil, while Flomena Cheyech became the new women's champion with a time of 2:25:13.

At press time, the Scotiabank Charity Challenge - the fundraising component of the race - raised over $3.2 million for 186 mostly local charities, including Autism Dog Services, Engineers Without Borders and St. Christopher House. Fundraising continues until October 31, 2013. The Scotiabank Charity Challenge was introduced during the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 2003 and has raised more than $20 million to date.

"The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon is where athleticism, philanthropy and community spirit meet for an unforgettable event," said Claude Norfolk, Senior Vice President of Toronto Region at Scotiabank. "On behalf of Scotiabank, I would like to offer my thanks and appreciation to the runners, spectators and volunteers who came together today to show their support and raise funds for charities. Thank you all for making this year's run such a meaningful one for our community."

Four Torontonians realized unique and remarkable achievements today. Ed Whitlock, the 82-year-old single age record of 3:41:58. Paul Statchuck broke the Guinness World Records record for fastest marathon dressed in full lacrosse gear with a time of 3:46:58, and David Hiddleston broke the Guinness World Records record for fastest half marathon dressed as a fruit when he crossed the finish line in a banana costume at 1:25:45. By completing the 14^th edition of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Rick Rayman successfully finished his 300^th marathon.

RACE DAY RESULTS

Marathon MALE

Marathon FEMALE

Canadian Marathon MALE

Canadian Marathon FEMALE

For highlights and the full list of results for the 2013 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, please visit www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com.

For a complete list of charities involved in this year's Scotiabank Charity Challenge, please visit http://www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com/en/charities.htm.

About the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon
The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon is Canada's premier, national running event, attracting over 25,000 participants from over 60 countries and aiming to raise over $4 million for over 180 local and national charities. Visit www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com.

About Scotiabank
Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad, through our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank Bright Future.  Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has provided on average approximately $47 million annually to community causes around the world over each of the last five years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

SOURCE Scotiabank - Sponsorships & Donations

Image with caption: "Deressa Chimsa triumphantly crosses the finish line at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 2:07:05, setting a new course record for the fastest time ever run on Canadian soil. (CNW Group/Scotiabank - Sponsorships & Donations)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131020_C5540_PHOTO_EN_32275.jpg

Image with caption: "Canadian female marathon record breakers, Lanni Marchant and Krista DuChene are greeted at the finish line by previous record holder, Sylvia Ruegger at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. (CNW Group/Scotiabank - Sponsorships & Donations)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131020_C5540_PHOTO_EN_32274.jpg

Image with caption: "Over 25,000 elite and recreational runners from over 60 countries hit the streets for the 2013 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. (CNW Group/Scotiabank - Sponsorships & Donations)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131020_C5540_PHOTO_EN_32273.jpg